RIYADH — Saudi security forces arrested a total of 8,943 illegal residents in a week. The arrests were made in joint inspections, carried out in collaboration with the relevant government agencies, during the period between May 14 and 20, the Ministry of Interior announced on Saturday. Those who were arrested include 4,638 violators of the Residency Law, 2,810 violators of the Border Security Law, and 1,495 violators of the Labor Law. The total number of people who were arrested while trying to cross the border into the Kingdom accounted for 1,158, of whom 38 percent were Yemeni nationals, 61 percent Ethiopian nationals, and one percent belonged to other nationalities. About 54 people were arrested while attempting to leave the Kingdom illegally. A total of 9,832 illegal residents were deported while 16,402 violators were referred to their diplomatic missions to obtain travel documents and 1,619 violators were referred to complete their travel reservations. Eight people involved in giving transportation, shelter, and employment for violators were also arrested. A total of 23,679 expatriates, including 22,629 men and 1,050 women, are currently undergoing procedures to enforce legal measures. The Ministry of Interior has warned that any person, who facilitates the illegal entry of individuals into the Kingdom, transports them on its territory, provides them with shelter or any other assistance or service, will be penalized with up to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to SR1 million, and that the vehicles used for transportation or houses used for giving shelter will be confiscated. The ministry urged the public to report any cases of violation by calling the number 911 in the regions of Makkah, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province and the numbers 999 and 996 in the rest of the Kingdom’s regions.
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